What causes Africa's worst disease..... Malaria!!!

What is malaria caused by - Image 1

 What is malaria caused by - Image 2

You must have heard about the most popular ailment common to the tropics. It has lived with us for many years and is still very much on the pages of the books, newspapers, internet and most importantly in our homes. Incidentally though the cause is known and diagnosis can be carried out by a simple test, expectations that malaria be found only listed as one of those ailment with complete eradication but has eluded mankind. Literature has made information available in less than simple terms and thus creates difficulties for people to correctly describe its symptoms to their physicians. If you live in or want to visit any mosquito infested region such as Africa, Asia and Latin America, you will want the answer to one of the most important questions about malaria which are: 
what really causes malaria, how do I prevent it and how do I identify the symptoms. Whilst some people think you need to be stung by a swarm of mosquitoes to come down with the ailment, it is hardly true. I know lots of people who get really bitten by the bug and nothing happens. On the other hand, some other people need to be bitten once or only a few times to they become sick. A good example would be to consider a house with five people living in it, while one or two persons may not have malaria in years, the other co-habitants could have several episodes even up to eight episodes during the same time, under similar circumstances. This can be explained partly by the fact that we all have different resistance levels and not all bugs carry plasmodium (the pathogen which causes malaria) at every time “T”. The bottom line remains prevention of a bite from the bug. 

If you don’t know what the bug looks like then look up pictures on the internet. To avoid confusion, Mosquitoes are small and thin flying insects (not even as large as a housefly) but are drawn boldly in diagrams for a clearer view. So if you stay in the temperate region and want to visit the tropics this is food for thought as per how to prevent coming down with malaria when you are on holiday. It is important to mention here that children are also more susceptible to having malaria much like elderly ones remember- extremes of age. Don’t get carried away by the intense sunlight in this region to believe that mosquitoes don’t bite during the day; the truth is they are capable of biting an individual at any time of the day though more at night. The use of clothing to cover our bodies is very important. Some clothing especially those made from see-through material such as hose, chiffon offer little or no protection if you spend a lot of time outdoors choose other suitable material to cover your arms, legs, back and trunk.

It is not difficult to get bitten by a mosquito and most times you may not be aware of the time the bite occured. It would take a few days if bitten by an infected mosquito to start showing signs.  Don’t expect to see a huge swelling or think that the presence of a rash on your body indicates a bite. Bites could be multiple and one notices most times when they start to itch. Fair skinned people or Caucasians would clearly demonstrate redness of the area of the bite. You can identify a mosquito bite because it itches; secondly it is slightly raised and it expands in size when you itch. The bite does not contain any fuid and is not pointed at the tip like a boil or pimple. I must mention here that this description is to help visitors, those with the sickle gene, immunocompromised, dependants such as children and elderly who are prone to having more difficult episodes tighten their protection and prevention tactics. Your arms, legs are the areas that get bitten the most becomes they are usually exposed but pretty much any area could be affected. If you start to notice a spread or pattern of bites marks around your whole body or you notice that you start to have difficulty in breathing a bite then you might be looking at something else other than a mosquito maybe an infectious process such as measles or bee sting.

What's the most popular virus ever!

Hepatitis B affects everyone. It is a viral infection affecting the liver is hopefully not new to anyone. The infection has similar transmission pattern as HIV-AIDS yet more deadly. The disease receives much less publicity than AIDS despite its higher infectiousness than the popular virus.

Hepatitis B in Bauchi State of Nigeria from Jan - July totaled around 319,000 cases as announced today by the community of health and human services. Good news is that the infection is preventable. Go get help and get protected with a simple vaccination at a Primary Health Center or a Teaching hospital near you.

I wonder what's the most popular virus ever!?

Source CNN: Polio vaccination exercise

In recent times, Polio outbreak made hits in Africa following the emergence of a strain thought to be new as it affected adults and previously immunized. Today, Hotan and Bazhou in the China's western Xinjiang province has been affected by polio involving six children, three adults and killing one. Fear is not the spread of the virus to neighboring areas but to the world indeed as the virus  could go beyond borders. Polio can be spread via ingesting food or water contaminated with an infected person's stool or contact with respiratory secretions. Travel to any of the affected regions would require careful planning.

Dengue fever now in the shops..

6,400  people have been documented with dengue fever already out of the 3 million people who face exposure. while some people fear the most of losing their jobs majority of people fear the shops for the fear of picking up the disease. The disease could be fatal as 25 people have die and several hundred new cases are recorded each day. Everyone is headed to the hospitals to get tested. The city majorly affected is the Lahore city eastern Pakistan  which is where posh people live. You might want to know this if you need to be travelling that way soon.

Reaching a decision about Micheal Jackson's case

The late icon Micheal Jackson was ruled to have died of drug overdose most likely propofol. Whether the drug was administered  by his doctor or swallowed are issues that would hopefully be brought to light.  According to CNN's report Dr. Murray who was Micheal Jackson's personal and full time physician used "make shift IV drip to administer propofol". He could face up to four years in prison if found guilty. The case trials opens on the 27th Sept and it is possible that by 28th of  October we would get a sense of direction surrounding the death of the late Icon. Read more about unconfirmed reports about missing witness now sweeping the court.

Whats the lesson to take home? 

Nigeria's national bill of health- legalize abortion or not

Nigeria's Minister for Health in his own words is in full support of the National bill of health. While key issues of how this bill differs from previous was not stated; one major issue raised is that Abortion remains illegal in Nigeria. Abortion is a leading cause of maternal death in certain countries including Nigeria. Nigeria is one of those countries alongside Chile, El Salvador, Honduras, Saint Martin, Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. Only under circumstances where the life of the woman is threatened is abortion permitted. This is a contradiction to Puerto Rico, French Antilles, French Guiana, Guanya, Barbados which are the only countries where abortion is legal. Chukwu has confirmed that abortion ifs not yet legalized in Nigeria. Abortion still causes up to 13% of maternal deaths in Nigeria.

Please can someone explain the agenda of this Bill of health Prof. Chuwku's is so in support of. How does this bill differs from the previous ones. Would it improve Nigeria's health statistics, I don't know.

How to reduce your chances at fibroid

Vegetables reduce fibroids

Women who consume more vegetable appear less likely to develop fibroids. Eating lots of red meat appears to carries a higher chance. Women who eat more vegetables in combination with little meat are safer than women who eat less vegetables and more meat when it comes to fibroids. It appears that eating vegetables with less meat seems to be a profitable regimen to stay on top of many diseases. 

New: Mental screening test - Would you take a mental screening test to get a job?

Mental screening test is been propagated to identify students who might be at risk of developing depression and suicide. Much of this has been tied to the high numbers of depression and suicide rates in the U.S. Many responses have been filed in already and more are still coming in. One respondent stated “I think it is a good idea to have the screening however I do not believe that is should become a standard test given to teens”.

Another respondent said that “Contrary to popular belief, undiagnosed and under-served adolescents with mental health issues reside in affluent communities with highly educated residents and excellent school systems”

A health professional blogged that this screening processes provide that show these very specific questions can help to detect real mental illness an might prove to be very helpful. Some respondents completely abolish the idea because of doubts about how such information could affect a teen, whether the intentions are for good reasons, don’t want labels for their children and so on.

In Nigeria, mental health has increasing reared its head as crucial aspect of medicine. Only in 2011, a Nigerian politician was said to have died and circumstances seemed to point towards a suicide, a 26 year female banker, only yesterday another  45 year old man committed suicide.

There appears to be a problem somewhere, Nigerian's generally are in some kind of denial about this issue and if something has to be done it should be now. So, If you were asked to take a mental screening test (nothing invasive, just a series of questions) to help detect this problems early and even offer treatment as part of a Job assessment,  would  you?

What women need to know about fibroids

The plight of women and the need to share this piece has been raised again as Nigeria loses another gem. Fibroid is a growth or tumor affecting the uterus. They are benign ( not malignant). Symptoms of this condition includes pain or some discomfort during sex, heavy menstrual bleed, abdominal pain or even constipation of frequent urination. Sometimes they are also removed when a women is struggling to conceive.Therefore, fibroid removal is a popular operation with several surgical and non - surgical treatment options.

It could be removed through open surgery or laparoscopic surgery. Laparascopic surgery simply put is key hole surgery. It uses little  incisions and gives smaller scars. It also allows for faster healing less stay in the hospital and is becoming increasingly popular. While open surgery is the popular and traditional means of surgery. This surgery is still used for example in cases where the fibroid is too large and kehole surgery can not be done.

Women need to make sure they explore all the options available before surgery to make informed decisions. Your choice surgery should suit you as a woman, complement other responsibilities such as working, caring for the home other responsibilities you might have. Fibroid surgeries are commonly done in recognized hospitals in Nigeria and successfully at that. Yet, it doesn't stop there. Success of any surgery goes beyond just the operation and the period after the surgery is very crucial.


After any surgery be sure to observe your body closely . There are certain critical signs that could indicate danger. 

1. If you begin to feel dizzy or wuzzy after discharge then see your doctor immediately.

2.  If you feel undue pain in area of the surgery (significantly more than you were initially experiencing) look for your doctor.

3. If you start to bleed (fresh blood) from the surgery site.

4. For surgeries such as fibroid if you notice you cannot pass stool after a couple of days and your tummy begins to extend see your doctor.

5. If you develop a significant fever with or without surgery see your doctor.

 Good practice after a fibroid surgery should include limited avoid lifting heavy objects for some time after surgery. 

Be sure to keep your appointments and contact your doctor if you notice anything unusual problems. This post was generated to answer a few queries after a famous Nigerian actress passed on. I wouldn't go abroad for a fibroid surgery , would you?

Four hours fast before bed time can prevent heart burn

Eating early at night say at least four hours before bedtime reduces the risk of heartburn symptoms up to seven times says New York times Health. Four hours fast before bed time causes a reduction in gastric activity and improved emptying of stomach contents which are factors increasing the risk of GERD (heartburn). Sufferers are encouraged to stay off smoking, alcohol, lying on your back which increases these symptoms. Stress also contributes to symptoms of GERD, follow up on 9/11 survivors Health  have shown that these group tend to suffer more of these symptoms than the ordinary population. Nausea, feeling of fullness in the stomach, pain in the upper abdomen, problems with swallowing and persistent hiccups are some of the symptoms of this condition. In summary, night time heartburn can be helped by staying away from food at least four hours before night. Share other helpful tips

Seven Ways To Protect Your Health In An Emergency

·        Reach for the exit of a building to an open space when threatened with an emergency

·     Stay away from building, cars or the trajectory of objects to avoid been trapped under collapsing buildings or been hit by an object.

·        Don’t go back for your belongings not your laptop, phone, car keys until the situation is calm.

·        Use the stairs don’t get yourself trapped in a lift from power cuts

·     Smoke is the greatest cause of death in a fire. If there is a thick blanket of smoke block the exit, don’t just walk into it crawl under it until you are safe.

·    When you are out and safe please remember to call the police and emergency services to help trapped victims.

·    Don’t get carried away trying to ping

Click here to see full story.

Hurricane Irene, Libya's crisis, September 11 and similarities with the UN bomb blast

I can imagine what Barack Obama in his book "Dreams of my Father- A story of Race and Inheritance" experienced when he put pen on paper to describing September 11, 2001 as the dawn of a fractured. He continues as planes like specters vanishing into stell and glass figures of the streets covered with ash, anguish and fear. by Barack Obama in Dreams of my Father. These events now part of America’s history transformed into troubling times for an average Nigerian.  Survivors put words to circumstances surrounding this unique situation have made much to knowledge around the theme what to do in an emergency. Many of the survivors reiterate lessons very much like those medical experts have previously told.

It is therefore not surprising the amount of knowledge now parading the globe on such information. Much of this information are now relevant in Libya -Colonel Gadaffi's crisis, Egypt – Hussein Mubarak, recent riots in the UK. What you do or don’t do is crucial enough in determining the severity of injury suffered, whether you get out the situation and could even determine whether you live or die. Libya -Colonel Gadaffi's crisis, Eygpt – Hussein Mubarak, recent riots in the UK are all guided and managed with knowledge on what to do in an emergence. Read more about Abuja UN bomb blast here

Safety At Work - Everyone's Resposibility

Off to work and driving

HEALTH ON HEELS

The popular notion that high heels defines a powerful, sophisticated and ambitious woman could be wrong. In the past, Egyptian butchers and Kings wore high heeled shoes. Catherine de media was one of the famous women who sold the success of high heels when she used same in complementing her short stature to boost her appearance as finance to the powerful Duke of Orleans.

High heels were abolished at a time not because of its negative health effects but to reduce the divide it created between the rich and poor and promote a sense of equality. Surprisingly , manufacturers had claimed that it reduces backaches and made walking less tiring.

Now, it is been found that high heels take a negative toll on women. The effects of high heeled shoes on women coupled with the normal stress of work  can be overbearing.
Some of the facts against high- heeled shoes include:

• changes the normal curvature of the back
• increases compressive forces on the lumbar spine. 

Women who wear high heels complain more of:

• leg pain and low back pain.

To prevent back pain and muscle problems :

• leave your heels for occasions better still those with less standing and less demanding physically.
• Wear flat shoes to work 
• Take a change of shoes if you must wear heels to work.

POWER NAPS IMPROVE WORK PRODUCTIVITY

Power nap isn't  new on the block. Winston Churchill who coined the term "power naps" claims that everyone must sleep some time between lunch and dinner. Margaret Thatcher snoozed around 2.30pm to 3.30pm everyday, George Bush did same around 3pm each day, other nappers include Eleanor Roosevelt and Albert Einstein  .
Whats new is that its gathered so much momentum that power naps machines now exist, outfits  provide services for workers to nap during breaks and  the  U.S National Transportation Safety Board recently suggested naps on the clock.
Some of the points favoring power naps include

• Power naps keep workers alert especially when safety is of key interest 
• improves mood and psycho-motor performance
• improves your heart health after a stressful event 
• prevent workers from staring blankly and achieving nothing after several hours at work
• Employers are beginning to embrace the idea of napping.

When power naps are planned and performed properly they are very beneficial. 

• Power naps simply put is voluntarily sleeping. 
• should last about 20mins
• is best done between 12 noon to 4pm
• remember don't sleep too long

Power nap is not catching 20mins sleep several times in one day that might cost you your job 

Workplace accidents in Lagos state: Lawma cleaner meets her death at work

Scene of accident involving Lagos state cleaner Martha Kpemeka. Terrified onlookers watch as the 62 year old breathes meets her death at the work. Lots of people have a story whats yours?
 Sorry oh but what is the retirement age again? 

Compensation is not enough

When the Compensation Act in December 2010 covering diseases and conditions arising from the place of work   it was not borne from to justify or tolerate handing out monetary compensations to our citizens without address the source of hazards and tackling it.

Lagos is a cleaner place, yes we all agree. We also agree that our city is not the first to embrace a clean environment strategy but there has to be a way to protect the health and well being of our cleaners who make the cities an enviable place.  Deaths of cleaners and environmental staff have become common place on our National dailies. GM LAWMA when asked responded that the 200,000 Naira was paid to the family and the bills of the burial. Is compensation enough and is that the way forward? 

Sitting DOs

Picture of a guitarist and sources of health hazards

Guitarists and repetitive strain injury

Guitarists get engrossed puckering away during performances. One hand movement is quickly followed by another in a deliberate rhythm to produce desired sound. Plucking movements are repetitive and performers are unaware of  their postures when sitting. Guitarist can suffer repetitive strain injury, back problems, vessel compression and abnormal muscle movements.

These problems are largely preventable yet many suffer from them. These problems are caused by result of repetitive movements, prolonged use of muscles, poor posture, exerting too much force and carrying heavy guitars especially electric guitars. Prevention lies in

• Maintaining an upright position, no slouching
• Using seats with backrests to support  your back
• Allow yourself rest in between practice times
• if you feel pain, strained or discomfort in any part of your body then its time to change position and take a rest.
• In cases where you feel undue pain or if pain persists consult your doctor

Improve performance on the microphone: Vocal health

Singing is one those prominent professions within entertainment industry today. Nigeria has produced reputable artists King Sunny Ade, Onyeka Onwenu, Sade Adu and  younger artists 2 Face, D Banj, Omawunmi and so many others are upcoming. Singing is not without it own hazards one which affects the vocal fords and quality of your voice. If you loose your voice what happens to your career. Voice strain and injury to the vocal folds are some of the hazards of singing.
Sound is normally produced by the vocal folds alongside supporting muscles and cartilages (collectively called Larynx) which can suffer strain from excessive use and hitting high notes. To improve your vocal health

• Take up to eight - ten glasses off water each day if your saliva is still dry then take more.

• Drink more of decaffeinated and non alcoholic drinks
• Avoid forcefully  clearing your throat.
• use of  Uh-huh or grunting or forcefully clearing your throat  is not helpful
• Avoid first hand or second hand cigarette smoking
• Speak slowly try not to squeeze in a few other words when out of one natural breath cycle.
• Enhance your voice at public speaking events with a microphone
• Stay away from fatty, spicy foods, alcohol should be minimized to 2 beers if at all
• Try as much as possible to face the person you are talking to and mouth your words.
• Avoid yelling, shouting instead clap to draw attention
• Use a soft voice rather than whispering
• Spend less time on the phone
• Strain, pain or croaking voice are signs of vocal cord injury. If you notice this then try to rest your voice alongside your body. Should complaints last longer than 2 weeks then see your doctor

Deafness in the music industry

Noise is an unwanted sound but in the music industry its the commodity of trade. Noise is constantly produced in the music industry and musicians get exposed to  noise when recording, at concerts, clubs, discos and performances. We know for certain that music bands (rock) produce as much as 105 - 111db of sound. Safe noise levels should not exceed 85db and it takes 16hours for the ear to revert to normal after  exposure to loud sounds.  Continuous exposure would compromise hearing function and the ear might not get up to 16 hours to fully recover before another bout. Noise causes hearing impairment and could lead deafness. Hearing ability is a prerequisite to function as an artist in the music industry, you need to hear yourself out to get paid. Do all you can to stay in and protect your hearing ability.

Poor work condition in Nigerian Entertainment industry exposed: Richard Mofe Damijo explains Sam Loco Efe dies from occupational stress

Working hours in the entertainment industry in Nigeria is deplorable. Richard Mofe Damijo, revealed that the work conditions in the Nigerian film industry are unacceptable. RMD explained that they could go long hours acting without food or rest and blames stress from poor work conditions as the cause of death of Sam Loco Efe.

Occupational stress is ubiquitous to all organizations. Stress is associated with  hypertension, diabetes , heart attacks and compromised immune status etc.

Proper hand hygiene

What do you carry?

It is clear that the door way to different worlds is in  your hands .  Its a hand shake which opens and seals transactions in the business world. Writing with your hands authorizes money in and out in the financial world.  A hug establishes our connection with our loved ones. Hands on your computer, slamming your fist to raise an objection in the law court, marking lesson notes, hands on the microphone, dispensing drugs. I bet  that whatever profession you practice even those who ping make use of their hands. It is crucial to know how to care for your hand to prevent you don't carry problems from work home or even endanger your lives.

• learn not to eat while working because you are  likely to pick up food with your bare hands without washing. This would prevent you from eating organisms you  obtained from shaking hands with colleagues at work, on the bus or open your car and whilst working or whatever means.
• If you must eat something whilst your work then learn have a snack and make sure your hands make contact with only the packaging
• Washing before and after every meal is mandatory
• Designate a particular place away from your workstation to have  lunch  (especially if you work with chemicals) to prevent food poisoning.
• Everyone knows to wash immediately after toileting
• You must find a way to wash your hands before you get off work to prevent sharing germs at work with family.

What do you carry in your hands?

How to know when to stop .....

Picture of golfer at work. Sport men or women who are golfers are prone to injuries or tears involving muscles attached at the elbow joint. Golfers elbow results from overuse, sprain of muscles attaching at the inner part of the elbow joint.  Pain worsened by play is an indication to stop and seek help 

Prevention of HIV, blood borne diseases in the film industry

Blood borne infections include HCV, HBV and other diseases indicated here incled Herpes virus, Human papilloma virus, Hepatitis A and sexually transmitted diseases.

Employers are to protect the health of their workers as far as reasonably possible  by training employees on hazards exposed to, simulating some of these scenes with acting and production techniques, ensuring sharps proper disposal of waste, provide hepatitis vaccinations, procedures for handling biological waste, gloves etc.

Actors, actresses, clean up staff should report all such incidences into an incident log book and to the employer. Then  immediately wash infected material off the body using soap and under running water.The employer owes the employee a duty to get source blood tested after consenting,  medical evaluation and follow up at no cost to the employee. An employee can also claim compensation if infected from an occupational incident.

Employees in the film industry face a high risk of contracting HIV and other blood borne infections

Movie stars are at a higher risk of contracting HIV, blood borne infections and other diseases as a result of their occupation. Sex scenes and kissing during which "acts" blood borne pathogens can be shared are common places in today's movie industry. Clean up staff can come in contact with sharps such as shaving sticks,blades, matches, needles and other infected material become exposed to these infections. Infected material could be from a spill, injury, accidents, used PPE (gloves, protective clothing etc).

Occupational hazards in the entertainment industry

Occupational diseases or accidents on movie sets are not uncommon.  91 people on site during the movie "The Conqueror " contracted cancer. 46 of them died including John Wayne, Agnes Moorehead  about 30years later from exposure to radioactive material at the nearby Neveda. Vic Marrow and child actor Myca Dinh Le  during the movie "Twilight zone" were decapitated by a helicopter flying low  while those on the helicopter suffered injuries. Roy Kinnear in "The return of the musketeers:" fell over a horse, sustained a broken hip and died of a heart attack the next day.

Occupational Hazards: Ramsey Noah escapes Death

Ramsey Noah had an accident  whilst performing a stunt for a recent movie. Sheer luck allowed the 38year old actor some chance to get to a medical facility in Ghana. Luck because of the response awarded to the victim after the accident. Ramsey Noah  fell from the top of a building, (how many stories tall?) onto a concrete floor. He suffered bleeding from the mouth and lay on the fall for 30minutes unable to move or talk.

What is amazing about Ramsey Noah's accident is the careless attitude given towards safety as it affects health. It would have been appropriate and less costly to put up a guard rail or fall arrest system,assessed the adequacy of space for the stunt to prevent this accident. Reports adds that the actor was left  lying on the floor for 30mins after the fall. Were the onlookers expecting him to rest a little before he continued or maybe he was left to fate or was it out of ignorance he was left there?

Accidents of this nature could lead to broken  legs or arms, broken ribs, rupture of the lungs with severe breathing problems, head trauma, internal bleeding from damaged organs, long term health problems and could be fatal. The first few minutes are very crucial in the outcome of an emergency. A lot of times the extent of injury sustained may not be commensurate with the person's physical appearance. Therefore, steps taken during this time could predict the outcome of this accident.  

The next few hours to days after this type of injury are very crucial as events could swing the outcome in any direction. 

Onlookers present at the scene are encouraged to throw more light about how events unfolded and enlighten the public.

Shell accepts liability for two massive oil spills that have had severe impact on the economy, health and development of the community of Bodo in Nigeria

In 1993, the late Ken Saro-Wiwa led the campaign against environmental pollution due to activities of Oil and gas industries in the Niger Delta region. Experts now report on BBC news  the extent of damage caused by the multinational oil producing Giant SHELL.  The spillage  has been compared to the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster in Alaska which was estimated at 10million gallons of oil. On 3rd August 2011, SHELL admitted to two devastating oil spills  in Nigeria's Ogoniland and now faces 26million pounds fine in a Nigerian court

Mr D.T develops allergic reactions as a result of his job

Mr D.T recently changed job from painting to gardening in an industry. 

He became allergic on the job within one month of resuming the new role.  D.T's employers started to complain when he took one week off sick in his first month of resumption. His company’s health and safety manager organized for him to see an occupational health advisor for an assessment. It was discovered that his Mr DT was allergic to pollen grains. His new job brought him in contact with pollen and he suffered breathing problems. Does everyone with this job role end up this way?

Pregnant women demonstrating correct use of seat belt whilst driving to work

Pregnant women demonstrating the use of seat belts whilst driving to work. Remember to have both straps on all the time. One goes between both breasts and the another across your hips not over your abdomen.

Female medical doctor dies from a cause faster than HIV

Annastasia Ekanem, a female medical doctor attached to a private hospital in Eket Akwa Ibom has been reported dead. Annastasia who only recently tested positive to HIV did not die from this disease but of a different cause. The medical doctor was found dead in her bedroom as she hung from the ceiling leaving behind a suicide note and the burden of her loss.

This story fails to tell us the last time she had her status checked and the result of this test. Health care profeesionals are particulary faced with this kind of problem as a hazard of the job. While no one is concluding that this is the cause, the propability is high up there and cannot be completely erased.

I can hear you say she could have protected herself. Before you continue any further in your thoughts do you know the hazards of your job, what compensations you are entitled to should you become exposed and what to do to live an optimal life.

R.I.P

DISEASES FOR WHICH WORKERS RECEIVE COMPENSATIONS IN NIGERIA

Employers are expected to protect their staff ensuring that exposure to any physical agent in the workplace should be kept as low as reasonably practicable. Only recently, Federal Republic of Nigeria (2010) produced a document that provides the list of top occupational diseases caused by physical agents to include:

·         Hearing impairment caused by noise

·         Disease caused by vibration (disorders of muscles, tendons, bones, joints, peripheral blood vessels or peripheral nerves)

·         Diseases caused by work in compressed air

·         Diseases caused by ionizing radiation

·         Diseases caused by heat radiation

·         Diseases caused by ultraviolet radiation

·         Diseases due to extreme temperature

·         Diseases caused to any other physical agents not mentioned where a direct a link between exposure of a worker to these physical agents and the disease suffered is established.

Please reference the “Employee’s Compensation Act 2010, Act NO.13” Federal Republic of Nigeria (2010) Abuja, Nigeria.

The Employee compensation Act is only a review of previously existing Act. The intent of this Act is clearly to ensure that the health of Nigeria’s workforce is not put on the line because of hazards in the workplace which are predominately preventable. However, many Nigerians are still significantly exposed to these hazards. How effective has this document and others been in reducing disease burden encountered as a result of our own work environment?

ARE OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES RECOGNIZED IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Surprised, yes occupational health issues are recognized in Nigeria. Its interesting to know that issues identified in our own country Nigeria are quite similar to those of developed countries.  Recently, in 2010 Employees compensation Act  lists diseases caused by chemical agents in the workplace as follows:

Diseases caused by beryllium or its toxic compounds

Diseases caused by cadmium or its toxic compounds

Diseases caused by phosphorus or toxic its compounds

Diseases caused by chromium or toxic its compounds

Diseases caused by arsenic or its toxic compounds

Diseases caused by mercury or its toxic compounds

Diseases caused by lead or its toxic compounds

Diseases caused by fluorine or its toxic compounds

Diseases caused by carbon disulphide

Diseases caused by toxic halogen derivatives of aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbons

Diseases caused by benzene or its toxic homologues

Diseases caused by toxic nitro-amino derivatives of benzene and its homologues.

Diseases caused by alcohols, glycols or ketones

Diseases caused by asphyxiants: carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide or its toxic derivatives, hydrogen sulphide.

Diseases caused by acrylonitrile

Diseases caused by oxides of nitrogen

Diseases caused by vanadium or its toxic compounds

Diseases caused by hexane

Diseases caused of teeth due to mineral acids

Diseases due to pharmaceutical agents

Diseases due to thalium  or   its compounds

Diseases due to oxmium or   its compounds

Diseases due to selenium or   its compounds

Diseases due to copper or   its compounds

Diseases due to tin or   its compounds

Diseases due to zinc or   its compounds

Diseases due to ozone, phosgene

Diseases due to copper or   its compounds

Diseases due to copper or   its compounds

Diseases due to irritants: benzoquinone and other corneal irritants

Diseases caused by chemical agent with an established link between exposure and disease.

Please reference the “Employee’s Compensation Act 2010, Act NO.13” Federal Republic of Nigeria printers. Abuja; Nigeria

HSE SYSTEMS MERGE WITH OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

I have been asked to provide answers to certain questions which have repeatedly been asked by employees and employers through this blog. 

How can companies make the most use of HSE systems in optimizing the health of workers? 

Health surveillance is an occupational health tool for monitoring changes in a worker’s health overtime occurring directly as a result of workplace elements. What’s important is that health surveillance needs not be conducted in all organizations on the contrary it fails to achieve when duplicated across board. There are certain requirements to be met before adopting this tool. Health surveillance merges HSE systems with occupational health as companies are able to detect what part of their health and safety systems are failing which in turn produces an action plan to boast services. It therefore serves a brilliant audit tool for HSE systems in organizations. This tool is beneficial for the following reasons.

·         Health surveillance is a very good way of demonstrating to workers the commitment of management towards the health of their workers.

·         One key thing for companies to bear in mind is if you must check then you must act to put preventive measures in place.

BACKGROUND SCREENING

 Just as background checks are performed obligatorily before approving loans so are pre employment tests. Companies, organizations and industries require as a norm that staff undergo pre-employments test before the start of the job.  However, Individuals seeking to be employed are have very suspicious of these tests but for their eagerness to pick up fat pay checks would opt out undertake medical tests. These tests are usually misjudged as tools devised by employers to rid sickly employees out of an offer.     

Pre-employment tests on the other hand benefit the employee much more than the employer. For the employer it is a legal requirement under the federal constitution used to make informed decisions on what business aspect an employee might best be suited or to determine how fit to work an employer is. Employers are allowed to use these tests within certain limits such as to inform an employee of certain aspects of a job that might compromise their health as a result of pre existing conditions. It can be considered as misuse should an employer use this documents for futuristic economic gratification to the detriment of the employee. Any individual suffering a medical condition who satisfies the job requirements should normally be no less unfavorable for the job as another healthy candidate so far there is no safety risk the life on the individual or others. It however places an extra duty of care on your employer with regards health issue.

Test results  are powerful tools in the hands of employees as it provides concrete evidence about the state of health at the time of commencement an employment.  Employees can monitor progress in his or her health matters and how the workplace affects the health. This piece can also be presented as evidence to how how much tasks performed can be attributed to the job. Any worker who doesn’t therefore provide inform could be short changing him or herself on the level of care a prospective employer could have offered to make work much easier for the employee.  

The Workers compensation Act demonstrates the importance of these tests and clearly outlines diseases that an employee can suffer through elements in the work place.  The compensation Act provides information on what compensation is entitled an employee who suffers any occupational disease should records support clean bill of health prior to resumption when there are substantial records to prove that job role could have impressed on health. Falsification of information during pre employment tests may render an individual unlikely to claim any compensation should an injury or disease arises out of the workplace. Every employer or employee should find out more on "what is compensation" from the workers compensation Act.

Nigeria's Right of Information bill to drive Health

The bill for freedom of information was passed in the month of May 2011 hopefully to drive Nigeria to observe a different trend of events in all of its affairs. This bill makes it possible to approach organizations for information of interest on the other hand mandates the party from which information is being requested from to meet this duty. Individuals can now approach organizations for data concerning their employment history without fear of prejudice.

Government in conjunction with telecommunication industries strategically took steps to boost their ends in gathering basic information through sim card registration; the voters’ registration also process took a different dimension utilizing advance information technology applications the country had never witnessed. This recent legislative moves therefore comes with a little surprise as it doesn’t derail far from the recent happens but provide a platform to solidify efforts so far.

This bill of information now renamed Right of Information bill clearly stipulates the rights of an individual as it regarding obtaining information kept in Government, private or public institutions which conduct operations within Nigeria. Penalties of denying obligations stated within the bill are punishable seven days from the initial date of application is received and within thirty days of denial. It requires no huge fore sight to see that this bill was released to drive changes in quiescent regions of the country’s affairs which though rightly governed by legislations are failing persistently in its strides of which occupational health will be one of such.    .

Occupational health laws in Nigeria

For many years and in many countries, the strength of occupational health has been driven by enacted legislation and penalty for its disregard. It is no different in Nigeria where the practice of occupational health is closely knit to the Factory Act of 1958. The Factory Act was first enacted in1958 and 29 years in 1987 later the Act was revisited and in 1990. The Factory act addresses the health, welfare, safety provisions and general provisions and clearly spells out penalties. In 2006, the Ministry of labor moved with a National policy statement on safety and health with focus on the duties of the employer, employees and Government. This policy was successfully passed this year in a bid to drive the occupational health            systems of this nation.

Perils in our workplace – Manual handling

Manual handling occurs when an individual physically interacts with a load. The term “load” used here describes any object which can be supported in order to remain stationary or moved around as a result of human efforts, it maybe inanimate such as machinery, supplies, tools or animate including human beings.  Manual handling involves activities such as lifting, stretching, twisting, pushing, pulling, bending, and hoisting which are common in packaging, assembly, construction work, health care industries etc. Manual handling no matter how simple doesn't support normal human anatomical functions especially with poor posturing.

In Nigeria, vocations related to manual handling account for most of the activities engaged by unskilled laborers such as “Kpon Kpon” – load transporters or “Kole Kole” – waste dispensers. However activities considerably similar to these are often undertaken in the workplace. For instance, in the course of construction jobs, bricklayers are often seen carrying bags of cement (sometimes as many as 2 or 3) on their heads and climbing long staircases; at a assembly plant employees may often carry heavy parts from one place to another, in engineering jobs movement of load such as equipment, or defective parts is a common activity.

In our own part of the world, we seem to ascribe movement of items from bending, stretching to reach an object, lifting objects, balancing objects in both arms and conveying to desired location or otherwise as tasks performed solely by human effort.. When frequently repeated, it leads to problems or conditions that affect the muscles and bony structures. Furthermore, constant strain of bodily structures, misalignment for purposes contrary to normal body function and lack of awareness of possible consequences information logs a rich cocktail for musculoskeletal problems.

Available evidence shows that musculoskeletal problems are the largest single cause of absence from work in developed countries which not surprisingly could translate to a significant cause of seeking help. Musculoskeletal problems like the name suggests are problems involving muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones which could be in any region of the body but usually occurs around joints. Common complaints typifying this problem include pain in the back, arms, legs , neck , fingers with or without swelling and limited movement in the affected part usually not quickly linked back to occupation remains the big issue. As musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) like many occupational health conditions can be caused or aggravated by work related factors which if not identified in the hospital leaves opportunities for recurrence.

These risk factors depend on the work environment, tasks involved, load and other elements unique to that environment. Our hot climate, lack of control over task, increased work demands, lack of awareness of these issues and none existent occupational health structure. To say the least, practices within industries in our country are at a disparity from what occurs in the developed world and even other neighboring developing countries.

Examining the information before me presents critical questions about the actual magnitude of these problems in our environment. It therefore remains paramount to apply preventive strategies to curb risk factors.  A lot of emphasis is given to manual handling because of the long term effects; moreover anyone who has suffered from this condition carries a greater chance of another episode and should prompt people to prevention. Avoidance of manual handling tasks or an exchange of human effort with machinery such as trolleys, rotary table, hoists, and conveyors remains the most reliable approach before considering other options.

Young individuals performing manual handling when necessary should ensure the lowest part of the arm handling the load remains at the same level of the waist. Lifting should only be attempted from a level an above the  knee level to  below the elbow, free from poor posturing in a well lit and dry environment. Other contributory steps include the need to carry tasks in an environment free of harm; keep number of people that could be harmed at the minimum especially if the load slips. Older people, women especially if pregnant should stay off manual handling.

Available evidence screams the need for extensive action especially statistics which now show that 70% of Nigeria’s 150,000,000 citizens are in the early phases of their work lives. Furthermore, the occurrence of MSDs rating as a single largest contributor to sickness absence and the low ranking of occupational health consideration in the workplace suggests the potential of this condition to challenge our limited health facilities and revenue generation from lack of productivity. Surely, an improvement of occupational health considerations with a more holistic approach from authorities would help to produce healthier workforce and maximize profit within our work environment not limited to reducing absenteeism but also creating a healthy workforce. This author would argue that an attempt at workplace assessment, risk reduction strategies, workers training and health audits would create a sense of wellbeing in any work environment and confidence for young people to pursue beyond white collar jobs.

Based on the foregoing, enhancing workplace health seems to anchor an unexplored means of reducing operational costs by preventing loss of trained staff,  absence for work, cost of compensation and a happier workforce.

 Musculoskeletal disorders are largely preventable and manageable.